The two particles are light-absorbing, colloidal quantum dots linked to carbon-based fullerene nanoparticles.

“This is the first demonstration of a hybrid inorganic/organic, dimeric (two-particle) material that acts as an electron donor-bridge-acceptor system for converting light to electrical current,” said Brookhaven physical chemist Mircea Cotlet.

By varying the length of the linker molecules and the size of the quantum dots, the scientists can control the rate and magnitude of fluctuations of light-induced electron transfer at the level of the individual dimer.

The surface-based assembly of nanoscale pairings of particles shows promise for creating power-generating units for molecular electronics or as more efficient photovoltaic solar cells, the researchers said.